Exploring our ecosystem

According to Dictionary.com, an ecosystem is a structure formed by the interaction of a community of organisms and their environment. An ecosystem is a living community of plants and animals that need each other to exist. Each of the installments represented explores the Tampa ecosystem. On a piece of paper, write down the primary images presented in the artwork. Look in the St. Petersburg Times for examples of things you and your family need in order to exist. Next to each item, write down why you need this item in order to exist in your community. What would happen if these items were no longer available? Write a creative short story or poem about how a change in the ecosystem would change your life. Share your story or poem with your class. You also can share your poem or story here on the NIE Blogging Zone.

About the blog

The NIE Blogging Zone is a great place for teachers, parents and school administrators to share their thoughts about how they are using the Tampa Bay Times in their classrooms and to share thoughts about teaching, classroom management, the school system and education in general. If you have a burning topic to suggest or questions about the NBZ, e-mail jpushkin@tampabay.com